By Thoboloko Ntšonyane
MASERU- The youth-led movement, Bacha ShutDown, has written to the Ombudsman, Advocate Tlotliso Polaki urging her office to investigate alleged corruption, conflicts of interest, and non-compliance with procedural laws within various government ministries.
In their petition, the movement have expressed concerns over what they describe as possible maladministration in government.
Among the ministries under scrutiny are the Ministries of Finance and Development Planning; Agriculture, Food Security, and Nutrition; Public Works and Transport; Energy; Natural Resources and Home Affairs, Local Government and Police which they suspect may be involved in irregular practices that have been reported extensively by different media outlets.
“This letter serves as a complaint and request to investigate the possible corruption committed within ministries in line with the Ombudsman Act of 1996. We write this letter to you on the basis of Section 135(1)(b) of the Constitution read together with Section 7(1)(b) of the Ombudsman Act of 1996. These laws are clear that, wherein the prejudice of people may be actual or foreseeable, the Office of the Ombudsman has a constitutional mandate to protect the interests of accountability, transparency, and rule of law in government administration.
“Our complaint is based on the contention that respondents to this complaint, by virtue of the allegations levied (sic) against them…, should be subjected to investigation for serious economic offenses against the Public Financial Management and Accountability Act 12 of 2011, Public Procurement Act 2023, Companies Act of 2011, and the general governance standards in a democratic society. BachaShutdown reserves the right to file further evidence of our contention before your office. We reasonably believe that the objectives set in the Constitution, NSDP II, and the much-delayed National Reforms Bill set a clear picture of the Lesotho we want and most importantly, one we constitutionally deserve,” reads the youth-led movement letter.
The youth are calling on the Ombudsman to conduct an investigation to ensure that public office bearers are held accountable for their actions.
The complaints highlight several instances of alleged government mismanagement and corruption, with consequences for the youth.
There are concerns about the signing of an alleged improper contract by the Minister of Finance and Development Planning, which is said to undermine national financial integrity.
Allegations also point to a fertiliser and seed crisis caused by improper administration and conflicts of interest, which have severely impacted food security, particularly affecting young people who depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. Also, claims of mismanagement in a major airport tender suggest that government officials have prioritised personal interests over national development, further limiting opportunities for the youth.
There are further allegations of financial mismanagement within the Ministry of Energy, with claims of unprocedural spending that has strained relations with the World Bank. This is said to have worsened the high cost of electricity, directly affecting young entrepreneurs and youth-led businesses that rely on affordable energy.
There is a controversy surrounding the acquisition of shares in a public mine by a government minister, raising concerns about conflicts of interest that deny young people access to fair economic opportunities. These instances, the BachaShutdown suggests that government fail to prioritise the well-being and future prospects of the youth.
Another issue raised involves alleged irregularities in recruitment processes at the Ministry of Home Affairs, which are said to have led to the unfair hiring of thousands while worsening youth unemployment. The complaints argue that political affiliations have been favoured over merit, leaving young people increasingly disillusioned with government institutions.
With an unemployment rate that continues to rise, these alleged acts of corruption and mismanagement, the youth fear that they further diminish the chances of young people securing stable and meaningful employment.
They want the Ombudsman’s office to intervene by investigating the Ministries and related departments. They said if the investigations establish the alleged breaches, they call on the Ombudsman to invoke the Section 48 and 49 of the Public Financial Management and Accountability Act 12 of 2011 be effected read together with Part IV of the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act of 2008 and Section 6 of the Prevention of Corruption and Economic Offences Act 5 of 1999.
These pieces of legislation provide a framework for promoting financial integrity, accountability, and the prevention of corruption and money laundering.
The Public Financial Management and Accountability Act, 2011 (Act 12 of 2011) aims to establish and maintain transparency, accountability, and sound management of the government’s receipts, payments, assets, and liabilities. The Act also addresses the financial management of public enterprises and local authorities.
The Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act, 2008 seeks to prevent and combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism. It defines offences related to money laundering, establishes the Financial Intelligence Unit, and outlines the responsibilities of accountable institutions in monitoring and reporting suspicious transactions.
And lastly, the Prevention of Corruption and Economic Offences Act, 1999 (Act 5 of 1999) aims to prevent and combat corruption and economic offences. It further provides for the declaration of assets by public officers and outlines penalties for individuals found guilty of corruption or economic crimes.
Bacha ShutDown Movement has been vocal in its advocacy for good governance and youth empowerment.
It remains to be seen how the Ombudsman will respond to their concerns and whether this will lead to action against the alleged irregularities.
Contacted for the comment, the Ombudsman’s office acknowledged the receipt of the petition but stated that it is “too early” to comment on the issue.